SAFA Skysailor Magazine

69 SUMMER 2025/2026 | December-January-February SKY SAILOR There was no damage to the pilot or the paragliding gear, the tree or any property. The PIC discussed and debriefed the incident with the supervising pilot as to what was done wrong and what could have been done to avoid the incident. An arborist helped retrieve the wing and harness from the tree. Whenever flying, always keep a safe distance from any objects – trees, poles, etc. Never fly behind objects and always maintain a safe flight path to a landing area. Never get boxed in. When suspended from a tree or object always assess the situation as to whether it is safe to release yourself from your glider and climb down. Secure yourself in the tree and contact other pilots or emergency services. Never attempt to climb down unless 100% satisfied you can safely do so, or you believe you are at risk of the branches you are suspended from may break or the glider may slip. Unless you have a tree-rescue kit and experience in self-rescue, stay in your harness and call for assistance. #2127 – PG accident 28/08/25, Rainbow Beach, Qld/S PIC was flying their paraglider at Rainbow Beach (Qld/S), a NE facing site. Conditions were very light. After 15 minutes and many passes on the north side of Carlo Sandblow, PIC tried to gain height whilst flying very close above trees on the ridge. The harness or speedbar caught the top of a tree, resulting in a rapid descent to the ground. The wing caught in the canopy of a 3m tree. The pilot released from the harness and safely walked away. The wing and harness were retrieved the next day. The wing suffered three damaged B-lines and three minor fabric tears to the left side of the glider. There was no damage to vegetation. The pilot suffered some pain in their left ankle and attended hospital where a sprain was diagnosed. The decision to fly is very important. In light conditions, be prepared to just fly straight to landing, if at all. If scratching for lift, always maintain a safe distance from obstructions, trees, terrain, and maintain a safe glide to a landing area. That’s it for this issue folks. Fly safe.